Telemetry System, a Pipe and a Method of Transmitting Information

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a telemetry system for use in a pipe having a wall, comprising a transmitter adapted to generate at least one acoustic wave in a frequency range of about 50-300 kHz, and to inject the acoustic wave in the wall of the pipe, wherein the transmitter is further arranged to binary code information conceived to be transmitted with the acoustic wave. The invention further relates to a pipe comprising the telemetry system, and to a method of transmitting information via a pipe.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/131,449 filed on 29 Jan. 2014, which is the U.S. National Phase of, and Applicant claims priority from, International Application No. PCT/NL2012/050486 filed 6 Jul. 2012, which claims priority from EP 11173208.7 filed 8 Jul. 2011, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a telemetry system for use in a pipe having a wall.

The invention further relates to a pipe.

The invention still further relates to a method of transmitting information through a pipe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of a pipe as is set forth in the opening paragraph is known from EP 2 157 279. the known pipe comprises a transmitter for generating an acoustic signal with a frequency of a few kHz at a first location near a distal portion of the pipe, a receiver located at a further position in the pipe for receiving the acoustic signal and for attempting to synchronize the receiver at the transmitter frequency and depending on a success of the synchronization step either to carry on data transmission or to adjust the transmission frequency.

It is a disadvantage of the known pipe that due to reflections in the joints of the segmented pipe only a limited frequency bands around about 2-3 kHz can be used. This has a further disadvantage that low frequencies limit data transmission rates considerably, which is not desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved pipe and a telemetry system for use with the pipe enabling data transmission with increased transmission rates, wherein such transmission is reliable and substantially error-free.

Furthermore, the telemetry system for use in a pipe having a wall comprises a transmitter adapted to generate at least one acoustic wave in a frequency range of 50-300 kHz and to inject the acoustic wave in the wall of the pipe, wherein the transmitter is further arranged to binary code information conceived to be transmitted with the acoustic wave. It will be appreciated that for the pipe a drill pipe may be selected. It is found that the frequency range of 50-300 kHz is particularly suitable to accommodate a wall thickness range which may be used for industrial pipes.

It is found that for a transmission using ultrasound waves propagating in a wall of a pipe, a characteristic parameter (P) for ultrasonic information transfer depends on a wave number multiplied by wall thickness of a pipe. This variable (P) should be minimized because for such variables having a high value the attenuation of the signal in the material of the pipe increases accordingly:

${P = {\frac{2\pi \; f}{C_{s}}\frac{D}{2}}},$

wherein

f is the frequency of the acoustic wave propagating in a wall of the pipe;

Cs is the shear velocity of the acoustic wave;

D is a thickness of the wall.

However, it is noted that the phase velocity of the acoustic wave decreases with increasing the parameter (P). In addition, for high values of the parameter (P) higher ultrasound frequencies may be used which enable use of higher data transmission rates.

The invention has an advantage that no carrier wave is used. The information conceived to be transmitted using the ultrasound waves is binary coded using a pre-determined rule for the multiple frequencies of the generated ultrasound waves. It is further found that using the frequency range of 50-300 kHz high information rate may be achieved, especially with respect to the carrier frequencies below 40Hz. In addition, it is found that there is a substantial reduction of parasitic noise in the frequency range of 50-300 kHz.

Still further, it is found that a smaller design of the apparatus is feasible when the transducer is tined to the higher frequencies, i.e. the frequencies above 50 kHz.

For example, separate frequencies may be switched on /off for data encoding according to the following exemplary rule: 50 kHz=1; 51 kHz=0; 52 kHz=1, etc., that is even frequencies are assigned the logic 1 and odd frequencies are assigned the logic 0.

Alternatively, it is also possible to assign frequency groups, such as pairs, for coding. For example pairs (50, 51)kHz, (52, 53)kHz, etc. may be used for binary coding information conceived to be transmitted so that only one frequency from the pair is transmitted. According to a rule, when 50 kHz is received, the bit equals to 0, when 51 is received, the bit equals to 1, etc. When none of the frequencies from the assigned pairs (or larger groups) is received the threshold can be adapted to receive either of the two. This method can be used for overcoming false 0 and to increase confidence in data transfer at a cost of data rate.

In a particular embodiment of the telemetry system according to the invention the acoustic wave is a L(0, 2) or T(0,1) wave.

In particular, it is found that the L(0, 2) wave is particularly useful because the particle motion in this wave is mainly longitudinal which causes a low liquid coupling (i.e. low attenuation) and a good coupling between the successive segments of the pipe.

In a further embodiment of the telemetry system according to the invention the transmitter comprises an array of elements. Piezoelectric elements or elements operating using other technology, such as electromagnetic acoustic transducers may be used. Preferably, the transmitter is ring-shaped.

It is found that an array-shaped or ring-shaped embodiment of the transmitted is useful, as it may be easily integrated between the segments of the pipe. Usually, the segments are about 10 meter long. A transmitter operated according to the claimed invention is capable of transmitting the acoustic waves carrying information through several segments. Three to five segments may be transmitted through without a need for amplification. Because the pipes are much longer than 30 meters, it may be necessary to built-in an amplifier on a path of the ultrasonic waves emanated from the transmitter. For example, the amplifiers may be provided every 3-5 segments.

In a further embodiment of the telemetry system according to the invention, the amplifier is adapted to implement a consistency check of a received binary code.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate which per se known consistency check algorithms may be used for this purpose. It will be further appreciated that such smart logic may form part of the amplifier, or, alternatively, the signal received by the amplifier may be processed by a dedicated smart logic unit and returned to the amplifier for amplification. For the simplicity reasons, the latter arrangement is referred to as an amplifier.

In a still further embodiment of the telemetry system according to the invention the amplifier is further arranged to generate an amplified frequency shifted signal.

It is found to be particularly useful to allow a frequency shift of the amplified signal with respect to the signal feeding the amplifier. For example, for a first amplifier, receiving the in-frequencies of 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 . . . x, kHz, the amplified signal may have the following frequencies: 50.1, 51.1, 52.1, 53.1, 54.1, . . . x′ kHz. This feature is found to be advantageous as interference between the amplified and the incoming signal is substantially avoided.

The pipe according to the invention comprises the telemetry system as is set forth with respect to the foregoing. The method of transmitting information through a pipe, according to the invention, comprises the steps of injecting at least one acoustic wave in a frequency range of 50-300 kHz in a wall of the pipe; wherein information conceived to be transmitted with the acoustic wave is binary coded. The method is found to be particularly suitable to transmit information from a drill location through a drill pipe.

In the preferable embodiments of the method according to the invention, for the at least one acoustic wave a L(0, 2) or a T(0,1) is selected.

The method may further comprise the steps of amplifying a signal generated by the transmitter; implementing a consistency check of a received binary code.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention it further comprises the step of frequency shifting an amplified signal with respect to the incoming signal.

These and other aspects of the invention will be discussed with reference to drawings wherein like reference signs correspond to like elements.

It will be appreciated that the drawings are presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be used for limiting the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 represents in schematic form, an embodiment of an overview of a drill set-up.

FIG. 2 represents in schematic form, an embodiment of a telemetry system according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 3 represents in schematic form, an embodiment of a ring-shaped transmitter provided in a joint of a pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 represents in schematic form, an embodiment of an overview of a drill set-up. A drilling installation 10 may be provided for implementing suitable underground exploration works. For example, drilling for investigating oil bearing strata may be envisaged.

A pipe D, notably a drill pipe, may be used for conducting control signals Sin from the control unit to the drill bit 6 and for conducting information at least about the drill environment Sout from the drill bit 6 up to the control system 3. In according to an embodiment of the telemetry system according to the invention a pipe D may be provided comprising a suitable number of pipe segments 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d, 4 e, 4 f, 4 g, 4 h interconnecting a control system 2 located above the ground with a drill bit 6 located distally. The pipe segments are interconnected by suitable joints 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d, 5 e, 5 f, 5 g, 5 h. Preferably, the pipe is manufactured from metal. However, other materials, such as metal may be used.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a telemetry system 7 is provided comprising a transmitter (not shown) adapted to generate at least one acoustic wave in a wall of the pipe D, wherein the frequency of the at least one acoustic wave is in the range of 50-300 kHz and wherein the transmitter is further arranged to binary code information conceived to be transmitted using the said at least one wave. It will be appreciated that it is found that a single wave mode is sufficient for transmitting the information using two or more frequencies. For example, when a single frequency is used the amplitude of the acoustic signal may be used for coding the information into the binary code. For example, when the amplitude is set above a pre-defined threshold the value of the byte is 1, otherwise it is 0. Alternatively, a number of frequencies may be used for binary coding the information. As has been explained hereinabove, a rule can be used for assigning a particular frequency or frequencies to the value 1, and assigning other frequency or frequencies to the value 1.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the signal generated by the transmitter may be amplified by an amplifier provided in one or more joints of the pipe segments. For example, an amplifier 8 may be installed in the joint 5 f to receive the acoustic signal propagating in the wall of the pipe D, to carry out a consistency check and to generate an amplified signal, which is preferably frequency shifted with respect to the incoming signal. This measure is found to be particularly advantageous for preventing undesirable signal interference post amplification.

It will be appreciated that information suitable for transmitting from the drill bite towards the control system may be collected by a suitable sensor or sensors arranged on or within the drill bite. This method of data collection of particular characteristics of the drill environments, is known per se and will not be explained in further detail. For example, known systems arranged in the drill bite may comprise sensor or sensors adapted to provide information about the drilling process and the direction in which the drill bit is propagating. It will be further appreciated that particularly for exploration of oil bearing layers in strata drill, strings may be quite long, up to several kilometers, for example.

FIG. 2 represents in schematic form, an embodiment of a telemetry system according to an aspect of the invention. As has been explained hereinabove, the pipe 20 may comprise a plurality of pipe segments 21 a, 21 b, . . . , 21 n, 21 n+1, joined together. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the drill bite 26 comprises a transmit/receive unit 24 arranged to collect control data from the control system for controlling or adjusting the drill bite and to transmit information data collected by suitable sensor or sensors provided on the drill bite 26 upstream towards the control system. The control system is usually located above the ground. The transmitter is adapted to generate at least one acoustic wave in a frequency range of about 50-300 kHz, and to inject the acoustic wave in the wall of the pipe, wherein the transmitter is further arranged to binary code information conceived to be transmitted with the acoustic wave. The acoustic wave or waves will propagate in the direction P upstream the pipe D towards the control system (not shown). In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a suitable plurality of amplifiers 22 a, 22 b, 22 c is built-in the joints connecting the segments of the pipe D for amplifying the incoming signal. Preferably such amplifiers are arranged with a distance between them of about 3-5 meters and are further adapted to carry out a consistency check of the incoming binary word. In addition, the amplifiers 22 a, 22 b, 22 c may be adapted to frequency shift the output amplified signal with respect to the input signal, for improving the signal transmission quality.

FIG. 3 represents in schematic form, an embodiment of a ring-shaped transmitter provided in a joint of a pipe 30. The ring-shaped transmitter 32 is preferably built-in the pipe segment 33 and is coaxially arranged with it. The collar 31 which may be used for affixing the adjacent segments to each other, may be used for firmly holding the transmitter 32. The collar may be provided with a suitable plurality of affixing elements 31 a. The ring-shaped transmitter 32 is preferably manufactured from a piezoelectric material, and may be implemented either as a continuous material, or as a suitable array of individual piezoelectric elements. The latter embodiment is advantageous in case the transmitter 32 is operable for generating a plurality of acoustic waves in the wall of the pipe 33.

While specific embodiments have been described hereinabove, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as described. Moreover, specific items discussed with reference to any of the isolated drawings may freely be inter-changed supplementing each outer in any particular way. The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention as described in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the claims set forth hereinbelow. 

1. A telemetry system for use in a pipe having a wall, comprising a transmitter adapted to generate at least one acoustic wave signal in a frequency range of about 50-300 kHz and to inject the acoustic wave signal in the wall of the pipe, the pipe comprising consecutive segments, wherein the transmitter is further configured to binary code information conceived to be transmitted with the acoustic wave signal, the binary code information associated with assigned pairs of frequency values; and an amplifier for amplifying an incoming signal generated by the transmitter, the amplifier being positioned between the consecutive segments, the amplifier being arranged to implement a consistency check of a received binary code, and generate an amplified frequency shifted output signal which is offset by a pre-determined frequency value with respect to the incoming signal, wherein the offset is conceived to avoid signal interference between the amplified and incoming signal.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pre-determined frequency value is at least 0.1 kHz.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter comprises an array of elements.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter is array-shaped or ring-shaped.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter is adapted to generate a binary code using pre-defined frequencies of a plurality of the acoustic waves.
 6. A pipe comprising the telemetry system according to claim
 1. 7. The pipe according to claim 6, forming part of a drill arrangement.
 8. A method of transmitting information through a pipe comprising the steps of: injecting by a transmitter at least one acoustic wave signal in a frequency range of about 50-300kHz in a wall of the pipe, the pipe comprising consecutive segments having an amplifier positioned between the consecutive segments for amplifying a signal, wherein information conceived to be transmitted with the acoustic wave signal is binary coded; amplifying an incoming signal generated by the transmitter; implementing a consistency check of a received binary code; and generating an amplified frequency shifted output signal which is offset by a pre-determined frequency value with respect to the incoming signal, wherein the offset is conceived to avoid signal interference between the amplified and incoming signal.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the pre-determined frequency value is at least 0.1 kHz.
 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the transmitter comprises an array of elements.
 11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the transmitter is array-shaped or ring-shaped.
 12. The method according to claim 8, wherein for the pipe a drill pipe is used. 